Spooky Tabletop Games for You and Your Coven

The winter nights are long and dark, and it’s getting a bit too cold to dance naked under a full moon. Grab your coven-mates, light some candles and sink your teeth into these delightfully dark tabletop games to while away the hours.

Gloom

“The world of Gloom is a sad and benighted place. The sky is grey, the tea is cold, and a new tragedy lies around every corner.” Perfect for those of a melancholic disposition, the aim of the storytelling game Gloom is to take your family of eccentrics and inflict ghastly scenarios upon them before they befall a most tragic death. Featuring transparent cards illustrated with classic gothic motifs, Gloom is a simple and stylish game for anyone wanting to wreak a little misery. Atlas Games//$24.95

The Hollow Woods

The Hollow Woods: Storytelling Card Game is a darkly beautiful addition to any game collection. With twenty haunting pen-and-ink illustrations, players create their own mystical adventure through a panorama of twisted thorns, unicorns, crones, and dragons. Even if you have no one to play with, these gorgeous, tarot-esque cards are sure to fire up any darkling’s imagination. Laurence King Publishing//$14.99

Dungeons & Dragons – Curse of Strahd

This quintessential role playing game is having a popular culture resurgence, and the Curse of Strahd expansion will fulfill all your gothic desires. Create your own character, grab your weapons, and join your party to confront the dreaded Count Strahd von Zarovich at Castle Ravenloft. A perfect choice for a group of spooks wanting a regular game night, and possibly the closest you’ll get to being in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Fantasy Grounds//$24.99

Eldritch Horror

Set in a Lovecraftian world in which darkness is stirring, Eldritch Horror pits a group of investigators against the evil Ancient Ones who seek to bring destruction upon all. Locate clues, unravel secrets and work together to stop Azathoth, Cthulhu and their brethren from wreaking terror. This game is long – about two hours at a minimum – and challenging, but who ever thought stopping an Ancient One would be a picnic? Fantasy Flight Games//$59.95

Betrayal at House on the Hill

‘The creak of footsteps on the stairs, the smell of something foul and dead, the feel of something crawling down your back.” Ever dreamt of creating your very own haunted house? Betrayal at House on the Hill lets you do just that. Trapped in the terror-house of your own design, one of your group will betray you unless you can catch them and put a stop to their evil urges. We’re not talking about the fun kind. Amazon//$32.45

Broom Service

If you’re searching for something lighter, or to play with baby bats, Broom Service is a sweet, whimsical game. Players are witches, druids, and gatherers who make a living delivering potions by broomstick – and the winner is the magickal salesperson who gets the most stock out to their customers. This colourful, fantastical game is a great way to get your little monsters into tabletop gaming, or to fulfill your dreams of being a successful business-witch. Ravensburger//$44.99

Mansions of Madness

This is another game steeped in Lovecraftian mythos, with players wandering the desolate streets of Innsmouth and the eerie, empty halls of Arkham’s dark manors. Mansions of Madness works with an app to immerse your group in cooperative gameplay, and comes with a series of intricate miniatures. Turn the lights down and put on some spooky music to truly set the tone…and don’t step on any creaking floorboards. Amazon//$80.55

Ouija Board

If you consider yourself more of a purist darkling, you can always commune with the spirits on your own Ouija Board. This design by Pandora Witch Shop is a beautifully engraved take on the classic Ouija design, with amethyst crystals adorning both the board and the accompanying planchette. This gorgeous board is perfect for more formal ceremonies, or if you just need a partner to play fifty questions with. Pandora Witch Shop//$100